Delbert 'Del' Lampe

Delbert “Del” Allen Lampe passed away after a brief illness on June 9, 2009, at Valley Care in Okanogan, Wash.

Del was born on April 9, 1926, on the family farm in Nampa, Idaho, to Charles and Inez Lampe. It was in Idaho where he began his career as a farmer, working alongside his parents, brothers and sisters. In 1944, he took a break from farming and enlisted into the Army, proudly served our nation until 1946. After returning from Germany, he met the love of his life June Mackey. They were married on June 14, 1948, in Meridian, Idaho. They loved each other deeply and were the best of friends. During their marriage, they traveled the world looking for adventure, spending most of their time exploring South America, Europe and the United States.

In 1955, they moved to Othello. As a Veteran of War he was able to purchase160 acres of new farmland being developed in the Columbia Basin. One of his proudest accomplishments was to turn the sagebrush and sand into a productive farm. They continued to farm for 15 years until one day they made a drastic career change. In 1970, they purchased the local jewelry store. The jewelry store was re-named “Lampe Jewelers.” Del went on to become a very talented watchmaker and jeweler.

While living in Othello, they raised five children. They all helped out on the farm and eventually three sons followed to became part of Lampe Jewelers, Inc. Lampe Jewelers stores could be found in Othello, Moses Lake, Omak, and Powell, Wyo. He was pleased that he could work alongside his sons. Del and June retired in 1985 so he could spend more time seeing a man about a dog, aka golfing!

During his retirement years, Del could be found playing golf, watching his granddaughters play basketball, watching the Mariners, eating watermelon and maple nut ice cream. Del and June loved golf so much that they moved to the 12th hole at the Sage Hills Golf Club in Warden. The clubhouse even named two omelets after him called “The Grumpy Lumpy Omelet or The Grumpy Lumpy Omelet Supreme!” In 2007, Del moved to Omak to live closer to his son, Andy, and to be cared for by the good people at Apple Springs. Del was one of those rare people that were always honest and never hesitated to help out a family member. He was a generous and kind man that lived a life that was honorable and one that he and his family could be very proud of. His word was his word and he meant what he said. He was always quick with a smile and loved to give friends and family a hard time; that’s how you knew he liked you! One of his fondest memories was traveling to Alaska with Mike, Chuck and Andy to go fishing. It was a trip that he had planned to take with his wife but didn’t get to.

He is survived by sons, Andrew and wife Debra from Omak and John of Spokane; daughter, Linda of Spokane; sister Derlene and husband Marvin of Buhl, Idaho; sister-in-law Freda Weast of Boise, Idaho; daughter-in-laws Cheryl and Deborah, grandchildren, Jennifer, Lisa, Sara, Chad, Jenny, Justin, Shelby, Drew, Jamie, Patrick, and Michael; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June; sons Mike (Cheryl) and Chuck (Deborah); brothers, Donald and Robert; his sister Evelyn; and his parents.

There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens in Othello. He will be laid to rest next to the love of his life, June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank of your choice. Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel of Okanogan has been entrusted with the arrangements.